STYLE GURU STYLE: Blend In and Stand Out

Who doesn’t love a black outfit with a patterned twist? I know I do. My major requires that I spend most of my time in sportswear versus cute, everyday outfits like most college students. It is because of this fact that I build my wardrobe around basics with a few statement pieces. It’s my favorite way to say a lot while doing a little.

Inspired by Tom Ford’s fall 2015 ready-to-wear line, I created this outfit using patterned outerwear over a monochromatic scheme. One of my favorite looks from the show was Joan Smalls in a long, animal print coat so I decided to whip out my favorite lengthy camouflage coat to throw on over a gray sweater and black skater dress. The coat in Smalls’ outfit was the star of the look, so I wanted to replicate that in my look as well.

Although most of the looks from the line are cohesive in patterns and schemes, I decided that I wanted to play with another pattern below the coat. The recent rainy weather inspired me to sport my favorite black and white rain boots. They stay in the color scheme of my dress and sweater while still adding a touch of flare to my puddle dances.

While the looks in Ford’s line are accessorized more boldly, subtly tying my outfits together in the details is another way I can keep my wardrobe small but my looks fresh. Instead of a chunky black necklace, I chose a gem stone necklace with neutral toned stones. The earthy tones in the necklace tied in with the green in my bold jacket while also picking up the burgundy in my socks.

Basic, monochromatic outfits are a great way to blend in while patterned coats are an awesome way to stand out! Don’t be afraid to play with patterns and color scheming to get you outfit to say just as much as you want.

Get My Look: 1. Camouflage coat. 2. Black dress. 3. Rain boots.

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